Joe Biden, the United States President, delivered a very emotional address in the Oval Office on Thursday explaining why he had decided to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and back Vice President Kamala Harris as the democratic nominee. This speech, which marked a touching point in Mr. Biden’s presidency, was attended by his family and watched closely by his staff who were visibly moved.
This was the first time since being infected with Covid-19 that Biden spoke directly to the nation about his reasons for stepping aside and reflecting on his legacy. His wife Jill, son Hunter, daughter Ashley and several grandchildren were off camera throughout his speech with emotions revealed as he addressed America.
The presentation of President Biden inside the Oval Office showed moments of fumble and hesitation but he assuredly expressed that he would keep working for the country during these last months till his term comes to an end.
The 81-year-old president became emotional while talking about having to fight a stutter from childhood through modest origins. “My fellow Americans, it has been my honor to serve this nation for over fifty years…There is no other place on earth where a kid from Scranton with a stutter growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Claymont Delaware could end up sitting behind that desk in there…But here I am: That’s what makes America so special,” he stated.
In this speech, Joe Biden mixed gratitude with seriousness as well as urging people to rally around Ms. Harris and also keep democracy safe.“Defending democracy matters more than any title we hold,” emphasized Joe Biden summing up his campaign slogan.
At the White House, hundreds of administration aides gathered for a watch party during which many cried throughout but stood up clapping when their president concluded speaking.
Later at Rose Garden during post-speech event Mr. Biden appreciated all those who had supported him without making them feel like strangers through sharing one moment of comradeship and reflection. Then they joined the rest of the staff in the rose garden, who were being served with ice cream; a favorite dessert for the president.
Some of Joe Biden’s aides were weeping and visibly emotional as they spoke about their adoration and respect for his leadership while others were at Rose Garden.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the speech as “barely understandable, and sooo bad!” at the end of Biden’s remarks while watching from his private jet.
However, the evening was marked by an emotional and symbolic conclusion to Biden’s campaign as he openly endorsed Kamala Harris as the future of the Democratic Party.
